Linear compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Linear compressors face issues with piston misalignment leading to contact with the cylinder, causing abrasion and potential damage due to mechanical losses from rotational motion conversion, and existing solutions like flexible rods fail to prevent fatigue-induced loss of flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A compressor design featuring a piston structure with a guide member and mount member connected to a magnet frame, allowing for axial reciprocation and rotational movement, utilizing a rotational coupling member and stepped portions to prevent forward and backward movement, and employing a gas bearing for lubrication to minimize contact pressure and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a piston is directly coupled to a magnet frame, then the structure is simple, but the piston reciprocates in an eccentric or inclined state causing contact with the cylinder and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The piston structure is designed to be dynamically adjustable through rotation. The piston body can rotate relative to the magnet frame around a central axis, allowing the piston to dynamically adapt its position and orientation during reciprocating motion. This rotational degree of freedom enables the piston to correct eccentricity and inclination automatically, maintaining proper alignment with the cylinder while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If a flexible rod is inserted into the piston, then piston misalignment is corrected, but the flexible rod loses its flexible function due to fatigue failure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the piston and magnet frame is segmented into multiple independent components: the magnet frame, the piston body, and the piston rod. These segments are connected through a rotational joint that allows relative movement. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single long flexible rod that would be subject to fatigue, while still providing the necessary alignment correction through the rotational degree of freedom between segments.
3Productivity
If the piston reciprocates at high speed, then compression efficiency is improved, but moment acts on the piston by lubricating refrigerant force causing contact with the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The piston structure incorporates a feedback mechanism where the piston's rotational position automatically adjusts in response to the distribution of lubricating refrigerant pressure. When the piston experiences eccentric loading or moment forces during high-speed reciprocation, the refrigerant pressure distribution creates a restoring moment that rotates the piston back to the correct alignment. This automatic feedback control maintains piston stability without requiring additional active control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively prevents piston contact with the cylinder by allowing self-alignment through lubricant pressure, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing durability by minimizing contact pressure and maintaining alignment, thus reducing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
employing a gas bearing for lubrication to minimize contact pressure and maintain alignment
Implementation Method 2
employing a gas bearing for lubrication to minimize contact pressure and maintain alignment
Implementation Method 3
allowing self-alignment through lubricant pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4(b)
AI summary
Provided is a compressor. Provided is a compressor. The compressor includes a piston structure, which comprises a guide member configured to reciprocate inside a cylinder in an axial direction, and a magnet frame configured to support a mover that moves together with the piston structure. The piston structure includes the guide member and a mount member connected to the magnet frame, and the guide member is coupled to be relatively rotatable with respect to the mount member.